Chapter 3
Road to Recovery?
Chris Hero was backstage at an IWA Mid South show. "There has to be someway I get can get through to him. But none of what I am trying is working. Ah, think," Hero says out loud. "That little shit," Ian Rotten yells walking into the locker room. "What's going on Ian?" Hero asks. "Roderick Strong, little ROH bitch," Ian says. "Ok what I get I don't like the guy or that idiot he hangs out with Davey Richards or any of the wrestlers I know he has trained or the fact he always has to do back breakers but other than that is ok," Chris says.
"Yeah well he just canceled on the TPI. Now I find someone with enough name appeal that the fans won't get pissed off and return the advanced tickets Also he has to skilled enough to be in the TPI. Also I have to be able afford him plus he has to be open that day," Ian says. "I got the perfect guy in mind," Chris says. "Who?" "Jake Reed," Chris says with a smile on his face. "Not a chance in hell!" Ian yells walking off. Hero runs after him.
"Ian come on Jake is a big star. You're worried about the tickets that have already been sold hell we will sell out in five seconds with him. Skill hell Jake is one of the best. He's retired so he is not doing anything else and money I will take a cut that night so off the price for him," Hero says. "Chris look I have heard some things about Jake. I know that he is off the wagon. I can't afford to have that happen," Ian says. "Ian I promise Jake will be fine. Besides you owe me Ian all the things I have done for you over the years has earned me at least one favor and this is it," Chris says.
Ian takes a second to think. "Alright," Ian says before walking away. Chris takes a deep breath knowing he is in trouble. "Great now I have to do it sober Jake up, convince him to start working out and get to make a come back," Chris thinks.
Jake is watching the Saturday replay of Impact. "Man it really is a mad house. But why does everyone think I can change it?" Jake thinks. Traci comes on the screen and Jake turns it off. Less than a second later he turns it back on. "Why God why? Couldn't you have just taken me," Jake says. Jake takes a pill and washes it down with a beer.
The next day Hero walks up to Jake's door. After no answer he goes for the spare key but finds it gone. Jake stumbles up to the door. "Yo," Jake yells clearly drunk. "Please tell me you didn't drive," Hero says. "I don't remember. Here are my keys but locking the door," Jake says slurring his words. "Come I am getting you out of here," Hero says. "Not without buying me dinner first," Jake says. "What does that even mean?" Hero yells.
"What does what mean?" Jake asks. "Alright come I am going to get some of you cloths and you moving in with me," Hero says. "Don't tell me father," Jake says. "But first coffee," Hero says. "That's a myth. Coffee doesn't' sober you up only time does that," Jake says. "Alright fine," Hero says.
Alex Shelly is cleaning his camera. Robert Roode Inc walks up to him. "Miss Brooks go make sure the new pyro is ready for my match," Robert commands. "Alright," Miss Brooks says walking off. "Alex I have a job for you," Robert says. In recent months Alex had returned to his stalker ways. "Alright now I hope you know I am busy right now and it will take a lot of money to make this a priority," Alex says. Robert pulls a large wad of money out his pocket. "I think that will be enough," Alex says. Robert hands Eric a contract that he doesn't even look over before making his mark.
"Good I have a very precise way I want this done. You two remember that show where are they now?" Robert says. "Where are they now?" Eric asks. "Yes it was a show where the told you what happened to people after they stopped being famous," Alex says. "I know. I am just wondering what happened to the people that did that show?" Eric asks. Robert slaps him. "Well don't let it ever be said Robert Roode doesn't give the fans what they want," Robert says.
"So tell me Robert what gift are you giving our fans?" Alex asks. "Just thing they have been asking for," Robert says. Eric and Alex exchange looks hoping it doesn't evolve Jake. "I want you to find Jake Reed," Robert says. "Well good luck Alex," Eric says walking off. Robert pulls him back. "Well Eric he won't need luck because you are going to help him," Robert says. "Look Robert I'm sorry but Jake Reed is a no go," Alex says. "Oh I'm sorry Alex did you think I was kidding with this contract you break it and you lose everything," Robert says.
Jake woke up in a dark hotel room his head pounded and he felt like he was about to be sick. A jug of water sat next to the roll away bed he was on with a note reading, "Drink it." Jake does just that and finds its water. Jake lays back down trying to figure out how he got there. Giving up he just drinks more water. "Who ever brought me here…" Jake sits up that thought. He had no idea how or who got him there. For all he knew it one of the McMahon's and the last thing Jake wanted to was work for that family.
Finding his wallet Jake gets up and heads for the door. The door opens and Hero walks in. "Where do you think your going?" Hero asks. "Oh you brought here. One thing I have learned is if you wake in a place you've never been before than run," Jake says. "Really how often has that been happening to you lately?" Hero asks. "Tell you what you tell me why I am here?" Jake says.
"You coming to live with me in Philly," Hero says. "No way I lived you once and you were a terrible roommate," Jake says. "Yeah well either do it and I will call the cops and tell them of a great place where the can find a truck load of drugs," Hero says. "Some friend you are," Jake says. "I'm serious Jake," Hero says. "Fine but I want to get my stuff," Jake says. "We will tomorrow. Now you need to recover from that hangover," Hero says.
Jake knows his is right and lies back down on the roll a way. He isn't happy about this. "What is hell is with him?" Jake thinks. Meanwhile Hero has picked up the paper and is reading it. "Dear God just let get him through the TPI," Hero thinks knowing he still has to tell Jake about the tournament.